I know it's a long and established date in the football fan's calendar but do the fixtures really have to come out so early? It's only the middle of June and we're already buzzing about the forthcoming season, I don't think it's good for anybody's health! For those with a pessimistic nature the sleepless nights must have started on Monday night when it was announced we're to face Arsenal at the Emirates on August 16th. I'm not sure if the fixture computer was programmed by a Dingle but why do we always seem to be drawn away from home on the opening day? Give me Fulham at home any day!
We're all clever enough to realise there are going to be no any easy games in the Premiership, and while I'm looking forward to facing the likes of Arsenal, Everton, Bolton, West Ham and the Vile in our first five games, there's a part of me thinking where are the points going to come from? Carl Hoefkens has today been quick to point out the fixtures in his head at the ones he thinks are capable of achieving wins and draws in, however I don't think you can go through a season naming this game as a must win or that game as one we've got no chance in. That clueless idiot Robson gave opposition teams of higher quality than ours easy points in our relegation season and I hope Mowbray won't have the same principles when we travel to the Emirates,
A new week brings new transfer rumours with it seems every available striker being linked with a move to the Hawthorns. I'm not sure whether it's the names of Shola Ameobi or Milan Baros being branded about or the stylish football under Mowbray but the record number of season tickets now sold and the prospect of a roaring Hawthorns has given me even more reason to look forward to the season ahead!